Page 46 of Remember That Time

"He was in my underwear drawer?"

Gross.

"Don't worry," Tony said. "I tossed everything in the wash right after I kicked him out."

Still gross.

I needed new underwear.

"Who is this man?" Janos growled.

"Who cares?" Tony retorted harshly. "He's gone now and he damn well better never come back."

What a freaking headache.

Maybe I needed a lock on my bedroom door?

Oh wait, I wasn't staying here. It didn't matter if I had a lock on the door or not. Once I moved out, it wouldn't be my problem.

I wasn't ready to mention that to Tony just yet.

"Janos and I are going to head out," I stated. "If that asshole comes back, call me or call the police."

Tony nodded.

"You got my new number, right?"

I hated having to get a new number along with my new cell phone, but it was for the best. If someone had stolen it, they might be trying to use it. I didn't want the old number associated with my account.

"Yeah."

Janos walked over to stand by the door.

I stopped next to Tony and gripped his shoulder. "I'm sorry, man. Men can be real dicks."

"He seemed so nice, you know?" Tony mused as he plopped down on the couch and reached for the remote. "He had a good job. He dressed nice. He took me to some nice places. I really thought he was one of the good guys."

"You'll find someone, Tony," I replied, "and when you do it won't matter how he dresses or where he takes you. It'll be more important just to spend time together."

As I said these words, I glanced over to Janos. Maybe that was why he was taking the day off from work and taking me out? Just so we could spend time together.

Wouldn't that be cool?

I grabbed Janos's hand as I opened the door. I glanced back over my shoulder to Tony. "I may or may not be back tonight. I'll call to let you know so you don't worry."

Tony waved a dismissive hand at me, but he was already becoming engrossed in whatever he was watching on the television. I doubted he had heard a word I'd said.

It didn't really matter if I called or not. I could even text him if I needed to. We were roommates. We didn't live in each other's pockets. I was just trying to be polite by informing him of where I'd be.

When Janos and I got downstairs to the car, I handed my backpack to the driver. "Can you put this in the trunk?"

"Of course, sir," the man replied and then did exactly that.

I waited for Janos to get into the car before climbing in beside him and shutting the door. I turned to him with a smile. "Where to next?"

Janos wagged his eyebrows at me as the car took off, merging with traffic. "Secret."

I rolled my eyes.

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